Let's face it - pointe shoes are not inexpensive, and busy dancers can find themselves going through pointe shoes quickly. While traditional pointe shoes typically last 10–20 hours of dancing, there are several effective ways to extend their lifespan and get the most of your purchases.
1. Rotate Your Pointe Shoes
Moisture from sweat or a humid dance bag is a leading cause of pointe shoe breakdown, and doing everything you can to keep them dry is essential. The most effective way to accomplish this is to alternate between multiple pairs. Pointe shoes require 24-36 hours to fully dry after a class or a rehearsal, and wearing the same pair daily prevents the paste from drying and re-hardening, leading to faster breakdown.
Example rotation:
• Pair A: Monday / Wednesday / Friday
• Pair B: Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday
2. Use Drying Inserts
Drying inserts can significantly speed up the drying process and help eliminate odors. These inserts typically contain moisture-absorbing materials such as activated charcoal or silica gel.
Tips:
• Use only drying inserts when storing pointe shoes - avoid leaving toe pads, spacers, or other items inside the shoe when not in use.
• Inserts generally last 3–12 months, depending on the brand.
3. Store Your Pointe Shoes in Mesh Bags Only
Mesh bags allow for proper air circulation, helping your shoes to dry evenly and maintain their shape. Placing damp pointe shoes inside a closed dance bag can cause them to soften, warp, or become misshapen due to trapped moisture and pressure from other items.
4. Strengthen Your Shoes with Pointe Shoe Glue or Shellac
Pointe shoe glue can add structure and extend the usable life of your shoes. As needed, apply
a thin layer:
• Inside the box
• Along the wings
• On the shank
• Inside the platform or tip
Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours. For the best results, glue shoes after they are properly broken in but before they are fully dead. Reinforce the areas that soften fastest for your feet.
Signs That It’s Time for New Shoes
1. Loss of Support in the Box or Wings - if you feel like you're sinking in your pointe shoes or your toes are “knuckling” out of the wings, the box is likely too soft.
2. A Dead Shank - a pointe shoe shank that no longer supports you can allow you to go too far over the shoe. This can actually strain the ligaments and tendons of your foot and lower leg.
3. Increased Sensitivity to the Floor - a soft pointe shoe platform can make you feel the floor more intensely, which can lead to bruised toenails, joint discomfort, or instability.
Questions to Ask Yourself
• Do I no longer feel supported when en pointe?
• Am I sinking into my shoes?
• Am I going too far over the platform?
• Has the shoe lost its shape?
• Is the box flattening?
• Is the shank too flexible?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then it's time for new pointe shoes.
Additional Tip
• Never leave your pointe shoes in a car or any place with extreme temperature or humidity fluctuations, as these conditions rapidly break down the materials.
Shop with Confidence at DanceSupplies.com
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Have questions or need fitting advice? Our team is always here to help!
Happy dancing!